Resolution 4.12 (Floor Submission)

For Consideration by the National Latino Congreso

Saturday, September 9th, 2006

Author: Camila Chavez y Gabriela Valle

Organization: Dolores Huerta Foundation y California Latinas for Reproductive Justice (CLRJ)

Email: cchavez@doloreshuerta.org; Gabriela_clrj@yahoo.com

Phone: (661) 322-3035; (213) 346-3223>

Title: Endorsement of No on Prop 85 Campaign

 

WHEREAS we believe that Proposition 85, and all initiatives like it, endangers the health, safety and well-being of our communities by limiting youth access to confidential health services;

WHEREAS women of color and immigrants are the majority of California’s uninsured;

WHEREAS we support strong family communication between adults and teens;

WHEREAS parents rightfully want to be involved in their teenagers’ lives, but laws can not mandate family communication;

WHEREAS studies show that the vast majority of teens involve their parents in decisions about pregnancies. In states without parental notification laws, 61% of young women discussed their decisions with one or more parents;

WHEREAS parental notification laws haven’t reduced teenage pregnancy in other states;

WHEREAS Prop 85, and all initiatives like it, is targeting the most vulnerable population of young women who can not yet vote to ensure access to safe, quality medical services;

WHEREAS research shows that guarantees of confidentiality are one of the key factors influencing whether teens will seek access to important health services;

WHEREAS the real answer is to support policies and programs that reduce teen pregnancy through strong communication in caring families, comprehensive sex education, including abstinence and access to contraception;

WHEREAS the proposed judicial bypass procedure is not a solution. This would create a climate of fear in teens forcing youth to face an overcrowded, overburdened and complicated court system;

WHEREAS Prop 85 is part of a larger strategy to eliminate Choice;

1. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this 2006 Congreso convened in Los Angeles, California recognizes the importance of advocating for reproductive justice in California and throughout the nation;

2. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that California voters will vote NO on Proposition 85 on November 7th, 2006.